U.S. and Iran to Resume Nuclear Talks Sunday Amid Tensions

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Top U.S. and Iranian negotiators will meet Sunday in Muscat to tackle disputes over Tehran’s nuclear program, as President Trump prepares for a Middle East trip. The talks, mediated by Oman, aim to advance diplomacy despite Washington’s tougher stance. This follows earlier rounds of indirect negotiations in April, reflecting ongoing efforts to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The discussions will involve Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Oman’s role as mediator continues its long-standing function as a neutral channel between the U.S. and Iran.

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The Context

The talks come as the U.S. has reinstated a “maximum pressure” campaign, including sanctions, to curb Iran’s nuclear activities. Iran insists its program is for peaceful purposes, a claim it has maintained since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

President Trump’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates adds urgency to the negotiations. His administration has emphasized preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons as a key foreign policy goal.

The U.S. withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, prompting Iran to breach the deal’s nuclear limits. Since then, Iran has enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels, raising global concerns.

Sunday’s meeting marks the fourth round of talks since April, with both sides seeking a new agreement to replace the JCPOA. Previous rounds have been described as constructive, though significant differences remain.

Some in the U.S. favor diplomacy to avoid military escalation and stabilize the Middle East. Others argue that Iran’s history of non-compliance demands stricter measures, including continued sanctions.

Critics of the talks worry that negotiations may delay decisive action, allowing Iran to advance its nuclear capabilities. Supporters believe a deal could ease economic sanctions on Iran, fostering regional stability.